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What rationale, law, code requirement requires installer to insulate a return air plenum in a ductless, common ceiling return system?.

what idiots!

I could argue and ask for the rule, but this is inspection #1.

The rule of "da code"........."And the Authority having jurisdiction" That statement is their trump card, end of story.

I suggest you get the code book for your area and research the issue yourself.

You can just ask the inspector for the exact rule in the code book. If he gets mad at you for that then he isn't doing his job. If he can't produce one then you can tell him to shove it, but it's likely he will be inspecting more of your work later, so you may not to burn any bridges yet.

What reasoning does the writers of the WA State Energy Code have with the requirement?

New 2009 Energy Code now requires insulated cover to attic access stairs and requirements that are very stringent. With that, the furnace closet that is required to be supplied with fresh, outside air for combustion does not require insulation in the furnace closet walls. That represents 8 linear feet of wall, exposed to outside, fresh air to not require wall insulation. But, don't forget to insulate inside duct, passing same temperature air, or you get red tagged!